The attention of the Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has been drawn to an unfortunate, malicious, scandalous, and untrue viral video circulating on social media. In the video, a man claiming to be a Keke Napep driver alleges that he was given five thousand naira by the AMAC Chairman to avoid participating in the protest in Abuja.
In light of this, it is essential to set the record straight for those who may be misled by such false information. On July 30, 2024, the day the purported video was released, the Executive Chairman of AMAC was engaged in a crucial security meeting with security agencies and preparing for the presentation ceremony of staff office to the newly inaugurated traditional rulers of Karu Chiefdom.
This clarification is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Kingsley Madaki, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the Executive Chairman of AMAC.
We are surprised and disappointed that the creators of this video and the enemies of the Council are attempting to tarnish the good image of the AMAC Chairman. Their goal seems to be to instigate protesters and residents against the Chairman through targeted misinformation.
This dangerous act of blackmail is unwarranted and must stop. We demand that security agencies bring the perpetrators of this hate video to justice in line with the Cybercrimes Act.
We also urge residents and readers to scrutinize any information on social media to avoid being misled by false and misleading content.
We firmly state that the claims made in the recorded video are false. The Executive Chairman of AMAC did not attend any event or give any Keke Napep driver five thousand naira as claimed.
On behalf of the management of Abuja Municipal Area Council, we acknowledge the frustrations and concerns that led to the protests. We are committed to addressing the challenges our nation faces today.
The Council Chairman appreciates that the protesters have expressed their grievances through peaceful means and not through riots or criminal activities. We commend their conduct in not destroying public and private properties. The government has heard your voices and promises to address your demands one by one.
It is crucial to note that the government discourages continued protests, as they may lead to further trouble in our society. Violence and vandalism will undermine our collective progress. We cannot allow the destruction of our shared property and disruption of public order. Destroying government properties is not the solution. Let us work together to solve our problems and build a better future for ourselves and future generations.
On behalf of the Management of the Council, the Council Chairman sympathizes with the victims of this protest and calls for dialogue with the government to resolve our collective issues.
